what is the book called Five children and it
The book is called "Five Children and It" by E. Nesbit.
can you give me a summary
Sure! "Five Children and It" follows the adventures of five siblings – Cyril, Anthea, Robert, Jane, and the baby Lamb – who discover a sand fairy called Psammead (or the "it") in a gravel pit near their house. The Psammead has the power to grant the children one wish a day, which often leads to comical and surprising consequences.
As the children's wishes come true, they quickly learn that the Psammead's magic does not always work out exactly as they intended. From shrinking themselves to becoming rich, the siblings find themselves in a variety of predicaments that teach them important lessons about the consequences of their actions.
Throughout the story, the children navigate various challenges and obstacles while learning valuable lessons about responsibility, friendship, and the importance of appreciating what they already have. "Five Children and It" is a classic tale of adventure, imagination, and the power of sibling bonds.
can you give me some quotes from the book
Certainly! Here are some quotes from "Five Children and It":
1. "Oh, botheration!" said Cyril. "People always say this sort of thing is a dream afterwards."
2. "It was not a happy afternoon. The children had tasted power. They realised what it was to feel revenge swelling in their hearts—bitter, cruel, evil, all sours and all salts; they had known what it was to mean to put their enemy into the power of a Evil Thing."
3. "The things that happen are always more or less like the things that don’t happen."
4. "‘You can learn heaps of things you never dreamt of with a fairy just telling you what to do. The cleverest grown-up would never find them out for himself.’"
5. "It’s no use—no thing would be any use as long as that remark continued to hang about in the room. And nothing that the children could think of would make a shadow move. And the children’s brains refused to act. They could think of nothing."
and the meanings of the quotes
1. This quote reflects the frustration and disbelief that often accompany seemingly fantastical or extraordinary experiences. Cyril's exasperation at the situation mirrors the common reaction of doubting the reality of something magical or implausible.
2. This quote highlights the darker side of human nature and the consequences of giving in to negative emotions like revenge. The children's realization of the power they hold and their willingness to use it for vengeful purposes serves as a cautionary tale about the corrupting influence of power and negative emotions.
3. This quote suggests that the line between reality and imagination can often blur, and things that may seem impossible or surreal can sometimes be just as likely to happen as things that are considered more realistic.
4. This quote emphasizes the value of imagination and the ability to learn and experience new things when guided by a sense of wonder and creativity. The presence of a fairy figure symbolizes the role of imagination in expanding one's perspective and understanding of the world.
5. This quote conveys the frustration and impasse that can arise when faced with a seemingly insurmountable obstacle or challenge. The children's inability to come up with a solution reflects the feeling of being stuck or unable to move forward, despite their best efforts.
why are these quotes important to the story
These quotes are important to the story of "Five Children and It" as they capture key themes and elements that are woven throughout the narrative. They provide insights into the characters' emotions, experiences, and the lessons they learn during their interactions with the magical creature Psammead. Here's why these quotes are significant:
1. Doubt and Disbelief: The quote reflecting Cyril's frustration and disbelief sets the tone for the children's initial reactions to encountering the magical Psammead. It highlights the natural skepticism that often accompanies extraordinary events and foreshadows the children's journey of discovery and acceptance.
2. Power and Consequences: The quote that delves into the darker aspects of human nature illustrates the moral dilemmas and consequences the children face when wielding the power of the Psammead's wishes. It underscores the theme of responsibility and the importance of using power wisely.
3. Reality vs. Imagination: The quote about the blurred line between reality and imagination speaks to the fantastical nature of the story and the magical elements that challenge the characters' perceptions of what is possible. It emphasizes the transformative power of imagination and belief in shaping one's reality.
4. Creativity and Learning: The quote highlighting the value of imagination and learning with the guidance of a fairy character underscores the theme of creativity, exploration, and the expansion of one's horizons through fantastical experiences. It showcases the transformative potential of embracing one's imagination.
5. Challenges and Stagnation: The quote depicting the children's frustration and inability to overcome an obstacle symbolizes the struggles and setbacks they face on their journey with the Psammead. It reflects moments of doubt, impasse, and the importance of perseverance in overcoming challenges.
Overall, these quotes contribute to the thematic richness and narrative depth of "Five Children and It" by capturing the emotional nuances, moral dilemmas, and transformative experiences of the characters as they navigate the magical world of the Psammead.